Manny Pacquiao officially retires!!

"I have Jinkee and the Filipino people to think about now," said Manny Pacquiao in an official statement released on Monday morning from General Santos City in the Philippines. And just like that, after titles in eight divisions, spectacular wins and accomplishments, and status as perhaps the best fighter of his generation, Manny Pacquiao has retired.

Pacquiao's retirement seems sudden because over the past few months, it had appeared that he decided to continue campaigning. Originally he was planning to fight in April, but that was going to be pushed back until September, to allow himself more time to recover following his knockout defeat against rival Juan Manuel Marquez this past December.

However, apparently the pressure to step away from the squared circle before it was too late became even stronger than we had previously heard.

And apparently, all of that led to Pacquiao hanging up the gloves now instead of seeking to avenge his last setback. From his perspective, what else would there be for him to accomplish? He's done it all, his legacy is set and he's certainly financially secure.

Retiring perhaps a touch too early is always a difficult decision to make, but it's one that we all usually wish had happened in hindsight. So it's really a positive thing to see a top fighter such as this decide to step away from the sport before the sport takes an even greater toll than it has.

Nobody wants to see Pacquiao on the Roy Jones senior circuit, getting knocked out repeatedly against guys who weren't anywhere near his level while he was at his best.

So with that, we say congratulations to Manny Pacquiao on his retirement.

You've earned it, and you've become one of the most-beloved and accomplished boxers in modern history. Take some time off, and then reach the political heights you've been clamoring for. We expect to see you as President of the Philippines within the decade.